| Using a RiverWare model to improve reservoir operations in three easy steps |
|
Jordan S. Lanini, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Great Plains Regional Office, Billings, Montana |
 |
ABSTRACT |
|
|
Reclamation's Great Plains Regional Office just completed an 18-month detailed review of Yellowtail Dam operating criteria using a RiverWare planning model. Operations had been extremely contentious amongst stakeholders, leading to a review of policy and procedures. Reclamation's review consisted of a graphical and statistical review of metrics to determine if historical operations met expectations and a planning model study using historical reservoir inflows and perfect and historical inflow forecasts. Stakeholders closely monitored study results through eight half-day meetings and provided alternative operating policies for examination with the RiverWare model. Stakeholders used the RiverWise scenario explorer to examine scenario results and further explore tweaks to operating policy. Ultimately, Reclamation's Montana Area Office committed to implementing fourteen recommendations for improving operations in three key areas: forecasting; operating criteria and rule curves; and general operations procedures. |
|
Click HERE for a PDF version of the presentation slides |
|
